GNC Franchisee Serves Up New Idea for Successful Business Initiative

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January 29, 2002

Pittsburgh-While some franchisors may think that all
great ideas start at company headquarters, General Nutrition
Companies credits Alabama franchisee Michael Taylor with helping to
finalize development of one of its major business initiatives in
2002-the GNC Smoothie Bar concept. The company expects to open as
many as 300 smoothie bars next year as branded elements of its
company-owned and franchised stores.

Taylor, franchisee of three GNC stores in Alabama, noticed the
popularity of smoothie chains in his area and began researching the
concept. After receiving permission from GNC, he bought a blender,
began developing recipes and started selling smoothes in 1999. To
accommodate the smoothie bar, Taylor moved his GNC franchise from a
900- to 1,800-square-foot location and saw sales jump 35
percent.

Today Taylor sells more than 400 smoothies a week. That number
doubles in the summer. -Miller DeMartine Group